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Owen Sound Attack forward Daniel Milne celebrates in front of teammate Zach Nastasiuk and London Knight defenceman Dakota Mermis after scoring in the first period of their OHL hockey game in London, Ont. on Friday February 28, 2014. DEREK RUTTAN/The London Free Press/QMI Agency

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Jake Patterson didn’t want to discuss the Bronx cheer he received from Knights fans shortly after surrendering Owen Sound’s go-ahead goal in the second period.

But after rallying for a 4-3 shootout victory and ninth straight win before 9,046 Friday night at Budweiser Gardens, his London teammates sure had their goalie’s back.

“It’s not cool at all,” said forward Max Domi, who forced overtime with an incredible individual short-handed effort. “Jake’s a big part of our team. He’s a great goaltender. It’s tough to hear that and it’s unfortunate, but hey, in the end, it’s about our team and we don’t care about anything else.

“We’re happy with the win, we’ll move on, but it’s pretty unacceptable on their part.”

Patterson made his 17th straight start since Anthony Stolarz, who served as backup Friday, suffered a cut on the back of his leg on Jan. 17.

The red-hot Knights have won 15 of 16 and crept within four points of first-place Guelph, who crumbled late in Sudbury. Knights remain a point ahead of fourth-place Erie, who squeaked one out in the final minute at Sarnia on Dane Fox’s 58th goal.

Patterson also won his ninth game in 10 career decisions against the Attack.

His boo birds served as a rallying cry for the Knights, who peppered giant Owen Sound goalie Jack Flinn with 55 shots through 65 minutes.

“We definitely noticed (the naysayers) and it was said in the room, for sure (after the second period),” said Ryan Rupert, who teamed up with his brother Matt to clinch London’s first shootout win in five tries this season. “It’s not Patterson’s fault. He’s won nine straight. We might let in a few goals, but we score some too. It’s a complete team effort.

“I don’t think there’s any reason they should be booing him.”

Patterson had been 0-for-3 in shootouts this season, but turned aside ex-mate Kyle Platzer and two-goal man Daniel Milne in the breakaway contest.

“The past three shootouts I had, I hadn’t performed too well so it was nice to win,” the 19-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie said.

“I thought a couple of the goals, I should’ve had, but after the second, I settled down and I knew we were only down by one.

“If I shut the door, I knew the boys would score at least one.”

Patterson has locked it down late throughout many games in this streak.

“Give the kid a lot of credit,” London goalie coach Bill Dark said of Patterson. “He found a way to win even when he’s not having his best game.”

The Knights haven’t named their starter for Sunday against Peterborough, but there’s an urgency to see a healthy Stolarz in action down the stretch.

Patterson has held the fort admirably in his Ironman assignment.

“I thought it was good,” he said. “It was a challenge for me. The boys have scored a lot of goals during this run and they have a lot to do with the winning streak.”

Despite the extra offence, not every game the Knights play against rebuilding teams will be a blowout. Some are going to be nail-biters.

“It’s not easy at all,” Domi said. “If you don’t put the London Knights jersey on, you don’t know what it’s like to go through those games. We’re on a bit of a roll here and every team wants to beat us. It’s a beautiful rink here and everyone wants to come in here and win, and it goes to show how much character we have in here (to be 26-4-0-1 on home ice).

“You keep plugging away. The Ruperts scored big goals in the shootout and (Patterson) made two huge saves.”

The Attack will take the point in the standings. They haven’t had much luck against London the last three years.

That history and Flinn’s performance had to play into London fans’ frustrations.

“Jack was pretty good the last time in,” Attack head coach Greg Ireland said. “It’s tough as a goalie playing every three weeks and we haven’t given him the softies. Every time we play him, it’s Guelph or London.

“He looked confident, big and ate up rebounds. It might be his best game this year.”